Winterize Your Home

Winter can take a serious toll on your home. If you’re not careful, all of that heavy snow and driving wind can put you in a situation where you’ve got some big repair bills that need to be paid.
Winterizing your home correctly can keep you comfortable and help you avoid any unpleasant surprises. Use these tips to make sure your home is ready for the cold season.
 
Get Your Heater Checked
Nobody can handle an ultra-cold winter without heat. If yours dies in the middle of night, you could be out of luck for some time. Get your heater checked by a professional before you need to rely on it so it will perform properly all season long.
 
Inspect Your Roof
Mounds of snow and days of rain can hit your roof hard. Inspect your roof for any problem spots before the cold season begins. If you spot damaged areas or cracked spots, call the pros to make necessary repairs if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
 
Weatherstrip Your Doors and Windows
Weatherstripping can be a somewhat involved process, but it can save you a lot of money on heating bills while helping you stay comfortable in the winter months.
 
Upgrade Windows and Doors
Weatherstripping old single-pane windows and doors that have seen better days is only going to get you so far. To really cut down on energy costs and avoid drafty spots and hallways, consider upgrading to double-pane or thermal windows and high-quality doors. Storm doors can also keep the cold outside where it belongs.
 
Protect Your Outdoor Furniture
It might seem like a little thing compared to making sure your heater is working and weatherstripping your windows, but outdoor furniture can be a big investment. Protect yours this winter with durable outdoor furniture covers.
You should also consider taking cushions and smaller pieces to your garage or a storage shed. Wet weather can shorten the lifespan of those comfortable cushions if they get battered by wind, rain and snow all winter long. Securing your outdoor grill cover provides extra protection so you’re ready for spring too.
 
Prepare Winter Phone Numbers
Some tasks you can do on your own in the winter. Shovelling a short walkway is a good example. Other jobs, like digging out your whole driveway after a blizzard, may be best left to the professionals. The same is true when it comes to things like dealing with a frozen pipe in your home.
Before the bad weather begins, pull those winter phone numbers out and make sure they still work. Update accordingly so you’re ready when you need a little help or something goes wrong inside or outside your home.
Being prepared for stuff you can’t handle alone is a big part of being a responsible homeowner that’s ready for every situation.
 
Enjoy a beautiful winter without worrying about your home. Act now and get your house ready so the snow can be a friend instead of a foe.